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Gloucester bolster front row stocks

Gloucester have boosted their front row stocks with the news that Paddy McAllister has signed a new contract, while former Australian U20 prop Cameron Orr has joined the club.

McAllister, who linked up with the Cherry and Whites last summer after a spell in the Pro D2 with Aurillac, made 17 appearances for the club last season in a fine first campaign in the Gloucester front row.

The Belfast-born front-row made a big impact, arguably returning to the form that earned him rave reviews as a prospect at Ulster, before a serious knee injury threatened his career.

And, after a season of impressive displays, Gloucester's director of rugby David Humphreys moved quickly to secure the services of the 26-year-old prop, as he explained to the club website.

"When we signed Paddy, he may not have been a household name. But we knew of his qualities, and also his potential, and his form in the past season has proved this to us," he said.

"We're delighted with his progression over the past 12 months and we are excited to see him develop further."

Meanwhile, the signing of 21-year-old Orr, who is English qualified, provides further strength in depth.

Orr appeared for Australian U20s in the 2014 World Rugby Junior World Championships in New Zealand and 2015 in Italy.

Part of the Waratahs' Generation Blue Academy, Orr has since been developing his game by playing for the Greater Sydney Rams in the National Rugby Championship.

Upon his arrival in the UK, Orr joined his new team-mates for training for the first time recently said he's excited at the prospect of joining Gloucester and experiencing a new rugby environment.

"It's a great opportunity for me and I'm really looking forward to it. I arrived on the Monday, met the boys on Tuesday and started training on Wednesday," he explained.

"I couldn't wait to get started.

"I've watched a fair bit of Premiership rugby on the television back home and it looks to be a really competitive league. I've also been told that Gloucester will be playing quite a few local derbies which sounds great.

"But, first up, I'm here to work hard and try and make an impression. I hear that the Gloucester supporters are fantastic and that they love their forward play. Hopefully, I'll get the chance to show them what I can do."